The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for transparency and respect for constitutional rights in the arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu. ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde warned security agencies against conducting a trial by media, citing concerns about the legality of the investigation and Elwelu's detention. Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on November 2, 2026, following public accusations by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba of involvement in activities to destabilize the Teso sub-region.
The ULS expressed concerns about the circumstances of Elwelu's detention, including access to his lawyers and family. Ssemakadde cited Article 23 of the Constitution, which protects personal liberty and requires that an arrested person be informed of the reasons for their arrest and their right to a lawyer. The ULS also demanded disclosure of the legal basis for Elwelu's detention and his place of detention. Elwelu's arrest follows weeks of public accusations by Gen. Muhoozi.
Gen. Muhoozi had accused Elwelu of disloyalty and involvement in activities threatening national security. On October 27, 2026, Muhoozi announced on his social media account that he had stripped Elwelu of his military ranks and demoted him to Private. Muhoozi also alleged that Elwelu had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition at one of his homes in Teso. The ULS condemned public pronouncements that presume guilt before a person has appeared in court.
The ULS warned against a repeat of procedural violations in the case of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, including restrictions on access to chosen lawyers and opaque legal processes. The society invited Elwelu's next-of-kin, lawyer, and personal doctor to its offices to discuss protective measures and strategies to guard against possible procedural abuses. Elwelu's wife, Patricia Apolot, had reported that security operatives had effectively placed the family under house arrest.
The arrest has heightened anxiety in Teso, where security intelligence officers had reportedly been deployed for about two weeks before the announcement. Elwelu previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Commander of the Land Forces. He also attracted national and international scrutiny over his command of the 2016 military operation at the Rwenzururu King's palace in Kasese.
The ULS said it would monitor the State's compliance with constitutional and international standards. Ssemakadde stressed that the rule of law was not a privilege reserved for popular or powerful individuals, but a minimum guarantee for everyone. The ULS demands that constitutional protections be applied to everyone, regardless of their military rank, reputation, or public standing.
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed Elwelu's arrest, stating that security forces had recovered 15 guns, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to Elwelu. The UPDF also announced that Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in court, although the specific offences were not specified.
Key points
- The Uganda Law Society demands transparency in Gen Elwelu's arrest.
- Gen Elwelu was arrested on November 2, 2026, in Soroti City.
- The ULS warns against trial by media in Gen Elwelu's case.
